Australian miners had a strong presence at this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, the world’s largest mining investment event, now in its 26th year.
Held in Cape Town, South Africa, the event attracted 210 companies from 92 countries as exhibitors or sponsors and over 6,500 attendees, out of which there were 294 Australian delegates. The third largest number of investors were from Australia.
Global mining powerhouses and junior miners discussed potential new investment opportunities across the African continent. Mining equipment, technology and services companies were well represented, alongside investors, African ministers, foreign government officials and dignitaries such as the President of Sierra Leone and the Prime Minister of Democratic Republic of Congo.
Australian mining companies made a strong impression at the event, participating in panel discussions and showcasing their solutions in the exposition hall. Rio Tinto, South32, Orica, Resolute Mining, Arc Minerals and Worley all had a significant presence.
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Around 165 Australian mining companies are operating across 39 markets in Africa, with a significant number of METS companies supplying Australian and foreign miners across the continent.
Austrade has been participating at Mining Indaba since 2006. As a platinum sponsor, Austrade managed the Australia Lounge, organised business briefings, ran networking events and provided support to 33 Australian companies and five Australian Ambassadors based in Africa, who hosted meetings and ministerial delegations in the lounge. Over 600 meetings took place at the Australia Lounge. Sponsors included Mincon, Geodrill, Murdoch University, ITC Global, Orica and Telstra.
Austrade CEO Dr Stephanie Fahey hosted a Women in Mining luncheon with 15 senior executives from the African mining industry. The group discussed the challenges and opportunities in the African mining sector, and ways to bring about more inclusivity, diversity, and equality in the mining and METS industry.
ENS Africa, Africa’s largest law firm, and the Australian Government hosted an exclusive lunch with African mining ministers and ambassadors. Ms Gita Gamath, Australian High Commissioner to South Africa, and Professor Michael Katz, ENSafrica Chairperson, made the opening remarks, followed by Dr Stephanie Fahey. The keynote address was delivered by Mr Pravin Gordhan, South African Minister of Public Enterprise, who highlighted the potential investment opportunities from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Other sessions at the Australia Lounge included a briefing on Australia’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai, and presentations on the future of mining by the Botswana Trade and Investment Centre, Murdoch University, Australian NGO Business for Development, and Ethos Quality Management.
Guest speakers at the Australia Lounge networking receptions included inspirational sports people such as Jean De Villiers (former Springboks Captain), Siya Kolisi (current Springboks Captain), and Kirsten Landman (the first woman in Africa to complete the Dakar Rally).
